Charlton 2 Crystal Palace 0

LUKE VARNEY kept the south London bragging rights in SE7 with a two goal salvo that sank arch-rivals Crystal Palace in a one-side derby on Friday night.

Palace, who went into the game boasting one defeat in their last 17 Championship matches, were outclassed from start to finish as Charlton turned on the style.

They dominated a one-sided first half when Varney was unlucky not to open the scoring in the 32nd minute with a shot that struck a post.

Palace made a determined start to the second half and for a time it looked as though Charlton might pay for not taking their chances.

Then Varney broke the deadlock in the 61st minute when he rifled the ball home from close range after Andy Gray flicked on Matt Holland's free-kick.

Varney brought his tally for the season to eight with Charlton's second in the 87th minute with an angled shot that went in off Palace centre-back Mark Hudson.

It was the first time Palace had conceded two goals in an away game this season.

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A delighted Varney said afterwards: "We had to come back after the disappointment of losing against Scunthorpe with a big performance. I think we produced that for our supporters who created a fantastic atmosphere.

"We put it right but we have to be more consistent. It was a massive three points for us and the buzz in the dressing room is incredible."

Right-back Greg Halford, signed on loan from Premier League Sunderland for the rest of the season, enjoyed an outstanding debut.

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Charlton: Weaver; Halford, Bougherra, McCarthy, Youga; Sam, Holland, Zheng, Ambrose (Semedo 84 mins); Gray (Iwelumo 84 mins), Varney (McLeod 90 mins). Subs not used: Elliott, Basey.

Attendance: 26,202.
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